Emergency contraception is an option for anyone who needs to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or a contraceptive failure, like a condom breaking.

With the emergency contraception service available at Crest Pharmacy, it’s easier than ever to access this crucial support quickly and discreetly. We offer a fast and convenient emergency contraception service to patients across Tamworth, Coventry, Kidderminster, Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Find your nearest Crest Pharmacy online here, a lot of our pharmacies are open late so if you’d like to speak to us about emergency contraception we’re happy to help.

What Is the Emergency Contraception Service from Crest Pharmacy?

Emergency contraception is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your regular contraception fails.

The service is available in our pharmacies across Tamworth, Coventry, Birmingham and Kidderminster. Offering convenient access to emergency contraceptive pills to people who need it. There are two types of morning-after pills commonly offered: Levonorgestrel and ellaOne.

Levonorgestrel: This pill is most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex. It works by stopping or delaying ovulation. While you can take it up to three days after sex, it’s most effective the sooner you take it.

ellaOne: This option can be taken up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex. Like Levonorgestrel, ellaOne works by preventing or delaying ovulation, but it is effective for a longer time window after intercourse.

Both options are available through our pharmacies, where our team will advise you on the best choice for your situation.

It’s important to remember that emergency contraception is not a replacement for regular contraceptive methods, but it provides a useful backup when things don’t go to plan.

How to Access the Emergency Contraception Service

Accessing the emergency contraception service at Crest is simple. You can either walk in and speak to us or phone ahead to ask some initial questions.

What to Expect from Us

If you need emergency contraception, visiting our pharmacies is quick and easy. We offer a confidential consultation to help determine what product will work best for you.

Here’s what you can expect from us.

You’ll be able to speak with a pharmacist in private. The pharmacist will ask you a few questions about your health and what happened. These questions are designed to determine which emergency contraception is best suited to you and if there are any medical reasons why a particular option may not be suitable for you. For example, they’ll ask you when the date of your last period was and if they’re regular. It’s important to answer these questions as best you can so we can help get the right emergency contraception for you.

Based on your responses, the pharmacist will explain how the pill works, when to take it, and what you can expect in terms of side effects. If you have any questions or concerns, this is the perfect time to ask. There are no daft questions and we want to make sure you’re confident with your decision. We’ll also be able to advise you on different contraceptive methods for the future if you’re interested.

Once the consultation is complete, the pharmacist will provide you with the chosen emergency contraceptive pill. In some cases, if there are any concerns or if the pill may not be effective, they might suggest an alternative, such as a copper intrauterine device (IUD), which can also be used as emergency contraception but you’ll need to go to your GP or local family planning clinic to access this service.

We’ll also give you advice on what to do if your period is late or if you experience any unusual symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Emergency Contraception Service

Is the Morning-After Pill Safe?

Yes, the morning-after pill is safe for most patients. Millions of people have used it with no serious side effects. Before we dispense the medication we will check if you have any health conditions or are on medication that might affect its use, but for the vast majority, it is a safe option.

Will the Morning-After Pill Affect My Future Fertility?

No, using emergency contraception does not affect your long-term fertility. It’s designed to prevent pregnancy in the short term but won’t harm your ability to get pregnant in the future. You can continue using regular contraception after taking the morning-after pill.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Some patients may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, or tiredness. It may also cause changes in your next period, such as making it lighter, heavier, or earlier than usual. These side effects are generally short-term and not severe.

How Effective Is Emergency Contraception?

The morning-after pill is highly effective when taken quickly after having unprotected sex. The general rule of thumb is that it works best the sooner it is taken.

What If I’m Already Pregnant?

If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not work. The morning-after pill is designed to prevent pregnancy from occurring and does not affect pregnancies that are already established.

Can I Use Emergency Contraception More Than Once?

Yes, you can use the morning-after pill more than once if needed. However, it is not recommended as a regular contraceptive method because it is less effective than many long-term methods, such as the pill or an IUD. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, it’s worth discussing more reliable contraception options with your GP.